Princeton Podcast

In Episode 58 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda welcomed Adam Kooker, our new Princeton Fire Department Chief.

Adam talked about his transition into the role, his leadership philosophy, and how the department blends volunteer and career firefighters to provide seamless emergency response services. He discussed the process of becoming a volunteer firefighter, from initial applications and training to the hands-on skills and community impact that make it a rewarding experience.

Adam reviewed the department’s long-term goals, including improving fire prevention efforts, reducing response times, and enhancing overall safety measures to better serve the growing Princeton community. And toward the end of their conversation, the Chief turned the tables on Mark, asking about his 50 years of experience as a volunteer firefighter and the changes Mark has witnessed in the fire service over the decades.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 57 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Mitch Henderson, Princeton University Men’s Basketball Coach.

Mitch discussed his journey from a Princeton University student-athlete to the head coach of the Princeton University men’s basketball team. Graduating in 1998 and becoming head coach in 2011, Mitch recounted thrilling NCAA tournament experiences both as a player and as a coach. He reflected on his mentors, including Pete Carril and Bill Carmody, and shared insights into Princeton’s unique basketball culture, recruiting strategies, and community involvement. Mitch also touched on his personal life describing what makes our Princeton community such a special place for him and his family.

This episode of The Princeton Podcast is sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton – encouraging civic participation and amplifying the voices that shape our community. Visit Website

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 56 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Lori Rabon, Palmer Square & Nassau Inn Vice President.

Lori and Mark discuss the Nassau Inn's recognition as a Historic Hotel of America, highlighting its preservation of traditional architecture and its significant history dating back to 1756. Lori elaborates on her role as Palmer Square Management Vice President, overseeing hotel operations, retail, and residential spaces, and emphasizing community involvement and strategic planning for Princeton's development. This episode also touches on challenges and opportunities in retail, office space, and future prospects for Palmer Square and the Nassau Inn in Princeton.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In Episode 55 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Richard Rein, Editor of TAPinto Princeton and a lifelong Princeton area newspaper journalist.

In their conversation, Rich shared the origins of his journalism career, reflecting on his early inspiration and passion for storytelling. He discussed his experiences at the Daily Princetonian and Time magazine, his founding and editing of US1 Newspaper for more than 35 years, and his current work with TAPinto Princeton. Rich offered insights into the value of local journalism, the role of community involvement, and his thoughts on the evolving media landscape in Princeton.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

If you enjoy this episode of the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 54 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Lawrence Patton, Head of School at the Princeton Charter School.

In their conversation, Larry provided an in-depth overview of charter schools, contrasting them with traditional public schools. He detailed the school's operations, including funding, governance, and enrollment processes. Larry described the relationship between the Princeton Charter School and the Princeton School District. He also discussed the challenges faced by charter schools, particularly funding disparities and the impact of post-COVID learning loss.

I enjoyed meeting Larry Patton and learning about the opportunities and challenges of Princeton Charter School. I hope you enjoy this episode as well. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media, providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999. If you enjoy the Princeton Podcast please share it with your friends and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In episode 53 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Dr. Kathie Foster, Acting Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools.

In their conversation, Kathy shared her deep passion for education, highlighting her commitment to student-centered values and the importance of community involvement. She discussed her background in various educational roles, emphasizing the importance of listening, kindness, and adapting to challenges like social media’s impact on students. Kathy also outlined her current initiatives, including growth planning and creating a supportive school environment, while expressing her dedication to continuing her lifelong work in education.

Princeton public schools are an important part of our community. We are fortunate to have Dr. Kathie Foster providing her experienced guidance as our acting superintendent.

The Princeton Podcast is produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media,

providing audio and video production services here in Princeton since 1999.

In episode 52 of the Princeton Podcast, our podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca Flemer, Co-Chairman of the Marquand Park Foundation.

Marquand Park is a 17-acre municipal park in Princeton known for its historical significance and diverse tree collection. Becca detailed the park's history, starting from the land's original ownership by William Penn and its subsequent transfer through notable local families such as the Stocktons, the Browns, and eventually the Marquands. 

Marquand Park features an arboretum with over 170 different tree species, a popular sand play area, a children's arboretum, a baseball diamond and picnic areas. 

The Marquand Park Foundation collaborates with the town to maintain the park, preserve its historic trees, and engage the community through tours, educational initiatives, and events such as Arbor Day and 'Oaktober'.

In Episode 51 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Andrew Siegel, Hamilton Jewelers fourth generation COO.

Andrew described his family’s four-generation history of Hamilton Jewelers from its first store established in Trenton in 1912 to its current five stores, three of which are here in downtown Princeton.  

Andrew discussed his lifelong involvement with the Princeton community, including his leadership roles in the Princeton Merchants Association and their transition to Experience Princeton, our special improvement district, aimed at enhancing our local business economic development. 

Andrew also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of managing a local retail business, reflecting on the importance of community engagement, adaptation during economic downturns, and the best activities to enhance Princeton’s local business climate.

It’s great to meet Andrew Siegel since I have known his father Hank Siegel these past 30 years. I hope you enjoy meeting Andrew in this episode as well. ~ Kenneth Greenberg, Princeton Podcast Producer

In our 50th episode of the Princeton Podcast our producer, Ken Greenberg, acted as host to Mayor Mark Freda.  

Ken and Mark reflected on the  past, present and future of the Princeton Podcast. They noted the variety of the remarkable Princetonians who have been guests on the Princeton Podcast during the past two and a half years since the podcast was launched. Ken asked Mark about his assessment of achievements and challenges of his first term as mayor, in addition to his plans to run for a 2nd term. They also discussed the cooperation between the town and the university as both continue to grow.

We thank our guests for their participation in the Princeton Podcast and we thank our listeners for their support. We look forward to the next 50 episodes of remarkable Princetonians on the Princeton Podcast!

In episode 49 of the Princeton Podcast, our Princeton Podcast host, Mayor Mark Freda, welcomed Rebecca FrancoMartin, Executive Director of People and Stories, a non-profit organization dedicated to introducing literature to new audiences through oral readings and discussions of enduring short stories.

Rebecca described the various People and Stories programs developed to reach youth, adults, and seniors in diverse social service agencies—including residential treatment facilities, prisons, homeless shelters, adult education programs, and libraries - on local, regional, and national levels.